Dear Parents and Guardians,

The end is near! Crazy, this is the last note of the school year. We have had a great year at 1R and I am thankful for all our students, teachers and parents. As the year comes to a close I would like to update you on things heading into the end of the year. 

First though, I want to give a big shout out this week to our teachers and staff. We are celebrating Teacher Appreciation this week. PTO has shared a daily document of different ways your child may celebrate their teachers. I have to say we are truly blessed with the best teachers at 1R and in the Northwest district. The dedication, passion and love they have for your children is incredible. They pour their hearts and souls into these students everyday.  Please if you get a chance, thank a teacher this week – they are truly “Amazing” in my book! 

We have a busy few weeks ahead so please check the 1R calendar for events. Weather has played havoc with our Middle School activities. Please monitor those schedules – information will be provided via Remind and talking with your athletes. Monday, May 2nd is the 5th-8th Spring Band concert at Northwest Auditorium. The performance will start at 7PM. Students may arrive around 6:30PM. We ask if at all possible you stay for ALL the performances.  Our students and teachers have put in a great deal of time and work to share their talents. I know we have busy schedules, but it means a lot for them to have a full audience. The concert will not last more than an hour.

Grand Island Library is now allowing all outside city limits students to be members at the Library. This means all Northwest students may sign up for a free library card. The best reading intervention is reading. Summertime is a great time to keep practicing this skill under a tree, at the park, pool or beach. Take advantage of this new opportunity. Plus they offer fun weekly summer programming.   

If you are a returning 1R student for the 2022-23 school year and have not registered please do so immediately. Remember this is an online registration. Check out the 1R website or contact Mrs. Pawling in the district office or Mrs. Bachle. 

2022-23 Sports Physicals- On Monday,  May 16th from 5-6:30PM 8th through 12th grade athletes may go to Northwest High school to complete their sports physical for 2022-23 seasons. There is a $25 cost for these physicals. You may print a copy of the form from the Northwest district website. 

All incoming 7th graders for the 2022-23 school year need to have a doctor’s physical completed with booster shots before August 2022. You may bring a copy or have your doctor fax a copy to the office at 308-385-6358.  

Friday, May 13, will be the Northwest K-6 District-Wide Field Day. This annual event takes place at Northwest High School beginning at 12:45. Events will be completed around 2:30, so please make plans to pick up your child at Northwest High School at that time. You will be receiving information in the next few days regarding transportation to Northwest and the overall logistics involved. 

PTO news – This Thursday, May 5 from 2-4 p.m. in the east parking lot will be Flower Delivery and pick up. If the weather is inclement, pick up will be in the gym.  PTO will have your flowers sorted and ready to go. Please stop out a little early for pick up. Thank you to all who purchased and helped with this fundraiser – it was another great success. Next year’s PTO officers will be President – Kristen Rogers;  Treasurer – Jamie Bisbee.  Thank you to Lisa Allan for serving last year as President. Also if you haven’t noticed, PTO moved forward with the Outdoor Classroom idea. Construction is underway behind the library and gym. We look forward to using it next Fall when we return. 

As we conclude the school year a reminder that all fines and lunch fees must be paid. Please check with Mrs. Bachle if you have questions. Library books need to be returned if they are missing. If a book is not returned you will be charged for replacing the book. Mrs. McGowan can help if you have any questions. Middle school will be checking in their Chromebooks and power cords. If there is damage, Mr. Gibson will let us know the damage costs. If the power cord is missing it will be $25 to replace it.  

Wednesday, May 18, is our last day of school. We will have our regular 8th grade recognition that morning beginning at 8AM. 8th grade parents’ invitation and information went home last week with your child. Congratulations to our 8th grade class!  We wish you the best of luck in all your life’s endeavors.

8th grade Recognition – 8:00AM–8:45AM – 8th grade is dismissed to go home following 

We will be changing up the remainder of this morning this year with the K-7th grade. Our regular awards assemblies will NOT take place. Staff decided to create a “Fun Day” with our students. Grade levels will be divided up and participate in a variety of activities and stations throughout the morning. The last hour of the day will be spent as an All School Recess. Teachers will pass out their grade level awards, Book It, PE and Field Day ribbons in the classroom. Your child will have a packet of items when they come home. The school day will end at 12:00PM. 

I would like to say thank you to Mrs. Reno, Mr. Spiehs, and Mr. Pearson for all their years of service to 1R. We will miss you! We have enjoyed getting to know you and your families over the years.  We appreciate all you have done for the students, parents and staff at 1R and wish you the best in all your future endeavors. 

I would like to say one last thank you to everyone for another successful year at 1R.  Thank you again for supporting and partnering with us in your child’s educational journey this year. There is no greater place to work than at 1R and the Northwest school district. Please continue to check out the 1R calendar, website, and facebook for the latest happenings. Have A Great Summer!! 

Sincerely,

Mr. Retzlaff, Principal